THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL DU VIN

England

The Hotel du Vin is an attractive Queen Anne townhouse, in the city centre with car parking, and is the original of a privately owned chain with outposts in Bristol, Tunbridge Wells and Birmingham (another branch is due to open in Brighton in October). There are 23 cosy bedrooms decorated in soft, muted, eggshell colours with crisp Egyptian-cotton sheets, roll-top baths, heated towel rails and thunderously good showers. Towels don't come fluffier. The best room, Courvoisier, overlooks the small walled garden. The restaurant is French-bistro style and serves respectable food such as pork wrapped in Serrano ham with lentil vinaigrette. Dishes change daily and are accompanied by the sommelier's wine recommendations from the hotel's superior selection, including some very good bottles for under £20. Ask for a garden room, away from the main hotel building. COST Doubles £100-£145 CONTACT Hotel du Vin, Southgate Street, Winchester (01962 841414; fax: 842458; email: info@Winchester.hotelduvin.com; www.hotelduvin.com)